New Hampshire Incentives and Laws

Last Updated September 2008

New Hampshire is the home of the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (www.granitestatecleancities.org). Coordinator contact information is listed in the Points of Contact section.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Project Funding

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC) provide competitive funding to expand the use of alternative fuels, AFVs, and advanced technology vehicles in New Hampshire. Only projects located in the ozone non-attainment or maintenance areas in the state are eligible for funding. For more information see the GSCCC Web site.

State Laws and Regulations

Biodiesel Blend Purchase Requirement

Effective January 1, 2009, the diesel fuel purchased by the Commissioner of Transportation under the Motor Fuel Inventory Fund must contain at least 5% biodiesel, unless the fuel is unavailable or more expensive than 100% petroleum diesel, in which case the purchase will be at the discretion of the Commissioner. The Commissioner is encouraged to purchase diesel fuel containing up to 20% biodiesel when the fuel is acceptable for use. The Commissioner can sell the fuel to all state departments and institutions, political subdivisions of the state, eligible nonprofit corporations under contract with the Department of Transportation to transport the general public, and federal government agencies. (Reference House Bills 1288 and 1631, 2008, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes 228:24-a)

Biodiesel Study Commission

The Biodiesel Study Commission is directed to study the biodiesel production capacity in New Hampshire; state and regional feedstock sources for production; and methods to encourage production. The Commission will also provide information about the best methods of biodiesel distribution and potential barriers to increased use. The study, due November 1, 2008, will track current biodiesel demand and offer suggestions to encourage increased biodiesel demand. (Reference House Bill 1632, 2008)

Biodiesel Definition

Biodiesel is a renewable special fuel that is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and meets the requirements of the ASTM specification D6751. Biodiesel is considered a renewable energy source. (Reference Senate Bill 522, 2008, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:6-a)

Idle Reduction and Fuel-Efficient, Low Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

State agencies and departments are required to implement a Clean Fleets Program in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee, including but not limited to the following components:

1. An anti-idling policy;
2. A highway fuel economy rating of at least 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for all new passenger and light-duty vehicles and at least 20 mpg for all new light-duty trucks except for emergency and law enforcement vehicles;
3. All new passenger and light-duty vehicles be certified as low emission vehicles in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee;
4. A policy ensuring that the appropriate vehicle is selected for the intended use of the vehicle;
5. All vehicle purchases be in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) if applicable;
6. A waiver procedure for requesting vehicles not on the approved Department of Administrative Services vehicle list;
7. Additional measures to promote fuel conservation.

(Reference Executive Order 2005-4)

Idle Reduction Requirement

New Hampshire regulations help to minimize the impact from engine idling and reduce exposure to diesel exhaust emissions by establishing a limit on the amount of time that engines are permitted to idle. The limit is based on the outside temperature, as follows: Above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minute limit; between -10 degrees and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 15 minute limit; below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, no limit. Certain vehicles are exempt from the regulation, including vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles, vehicles providing power take-off for refrigeration or lift gate pumps, and vehicles supplying heat or air conditioning for passenger comfort during transportation. (Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1101.05 and 1101.06)

Point of Contact

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Phone (603) 271-3503
https://www.airquality.nh.gov/ard/contact.htm

Diesel Idle Reduction Initiative

In an effort to reduce air pollution in New Hampshire, the Department of Environmental Services educates diesel truck and bus drivers and owners about the environmental, financial, and health consequences of engine idling while the vehicle is not in motion through information, sample idling policies, and signage.

Point of Contact

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Phone (603) 271-3503
https://www.airquality.nh.gov/ard/contact.htm

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

An NEV is any four-wheel electric vehicle capable of achieving a top speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour, and complies with the federal safety standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571.500. NEVs may only be used on roads that have a posted speed limit 35 mph or less. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:66-b; 265:158; and 266:114)

Utilities/Private Incentives

There are currently no known utility or private incentives offered in New Hampshire.

Points of Contact:

NAME/EMAIL	AGENCY	TITLE	PHONE/FAX
Barbara Bernstein barbara.bernstein@des.nh.gov	New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services	Clean Cities Coordinator	Phone: (603) 274-6751 Fax: (603) 271-1381
	New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services		Phone: (603) 271-3503 Fax:
Mike Scarpino michael.scarpino@netl.doe.gov	U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory	Project Manager	Phone: (412) 386-4726 Fax: (412) 386-5835
Robert Judge judge.robert@epa.gov	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Environmental Engineer, Region 1	Phone: (617) 918-1045 Fax: (617) 918-0045